We know your time is precious, so we’ve done the heavy lifting, curating the events, news, and community stories that matter most across all 31 SGV cities.
✨ Whether you’re hunting for a new local adventure, keeping tabs on city updates, or just looking for something fun to do this weekend, this is your essential guide to September 10–17.
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📰 LOCAL NEWS & COMMUNITY UPDATES
Pasadena Rental Housing Board Announces Rate Increase
📍 Pasadena
The Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) has formally approved the Annual General Adjustment (AGA), setting the allowable rent increase for the upcoming cycle at 2.25%. This adjustment applies specifically to rent-stabilized units governed under Pasadena’s Charter Article XVIII and will cover the period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
The AGA is calculated each year to balance inflationary pressures with tenant protections. The 2.25% figure reflects economic indicators such as the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI), along with public input and board review.
Under Pasadena’s rent stabilization framework, landlords may increase rent once annually by the approved percentage, provided the unit is covered under the city’s stabilization program. Exemptions may apply to certain types of housing, including new construction, government-subsidized housing, and owner-occupied duplexes.
For tenants, this decision means that monthly rent increases are capped, providing predictability and a safeguard against steep hikes in a competitive rental market. For landlords, it offers a regulated pathway to modestly offset rising property maintenance, utility, and insurance costs.
The PRHB emphasized that this adjustment seeks to strike a fair balance between preserving housing affordability for tenants and ensuring property owners can continue maintaining safe, quality housing across Pasadena.
Residents and property owners can find more information, including eligibility details and compliance requirements, by visiting the Pasadena Rental Housing Board’s official website or contacting their information hotline.
Historic Preservation Victory in Alhambra
📍 Alhambra
The Alhambra City Council has voted unanimously (4–0) to adopt a Historic Preservation Ordinance, marking a major milestone in protecting the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
This new law—more than 20 years in the making—creates the city’s first permanent framework to safeguard historic homes, businesses, churches, and schools. The ordinance is built around three pillars: identifying historic resources, surveying significant sites, and establishing a preservation law that empowers property owners.
Highlights include:
Voluntary Participation – Property owners are encouraged, not forced, to designate their properties.
Clear Guidelines – A structured review process ensures predictability for renovations or changes.
Tax Incentives – Owners of designated historic properties may qualify for the Mills Act, providing substantial property tax relief.
The ordinance balances heritage preservation with property owner support, ensuring Alhambra’s historic character is protected for generations. Following a second reading in September, the ordinance will officially take effect in October 2025.
South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Float Build
📍 South Pasadena
The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee is hard at work on this year’s Rose Parade float, carrying on a tradition that dates back to 1893, when South Pasadena became the first city outside Pasadena to design and enter its own float. Today, it remains one of the city’s most treasured community projects, relying entirely on volunteers and donations.
The float is built each year at the South Pasadena War Memorial Building, where volunteers of all ages, students, families, and longtime residents come together to weld, paint, and decorate. It’s one of only a handful of self-built floats still featured in the Rose Parade, making South Pasadena’s entry a true symbol of community pride.
To help fund this year’s build, the committee is hosting a giant yard sale on September 12–13. Proceeds go directly to covering the costs of materials, flowers, and construction equipment needed to bring the float to life. The yard sale is also a chance for the community to connect, shop, and support a tradition that shines on New Year’s Day before millions of parade and TV viewers worldwide.
Volunteers are always welcome, whether you’re lending your time at the build site or donating items for fundraising events. The float is more than just a parade entry, it’s a hands-on project that unites the city year after year.
High School Football Update
📍 South Pasadena
The South Pasadena High School Tigers opened their season against Crescenta Valley High School, making history as the first game ever played at Crescenta Valley’s new stadium.
Final Score: Crescenta Valley 42, South Pasadena 21
South Pasadena struck early with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Nott to Grayson Ebner, but Crescenta Valley answered with big plays, including a 90-yard fumble return and two second-half interceptions that shifted momentum.
Standout Performances:
QB Andrew Nott – 2 TD passes, 1 INT
WR Grayson Ebner – 111 yards, 1 TD
RB Trey Freking – 60 rushing yards, 1 TD reception
WR Lorenzo Jones – 63 yards, 1 TD
Despite the loss, the Tigers showed resilience and flashes of offensive firepower. With several key players returning from last year’s league championship squad, the team is expected to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup against Golden Valley on September 12.
🌟 Did You Know? San Gabriel Valley Edition
Oldest Landmark
Did you know the San Gabriel Mission, founded in 1771, is one of the oldest buildings in California and often called the “Pride of the California Missions”?
🎪 FEATURED EVENTS THIS WEEK
America's Got Talent Live Tapings
📅 September 16-17
📍 Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Get ready, Pasadena—the spotlight is on! 🎥 NBC’s America’s Got Talent is rolling into the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium, one of Hollywood’s favorite stages for live television tapings. Hosted by the charismatic Terry Crews, the show features its all-star judging panel: Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B, bringing their signature mix of sharp critiques, humor, and encouragement to the talent-packed stage.
Audience members will be treated to a behind-the-scenes experience of one of the world’s biggest talent competitions. Expect electrifying performances ranging from singers and dancers to magicians, comedians, and jaw-dropping specialty acts—all vying for the spotlight and a shot at stardom.
Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved online in advance. Guests can choose from two arrival time slots per day, depending on whether they’d like to be part of the earlier or later taping. Attendees should plan to arrive on time, as seating is first-come, first-served and the demand is high.
Fun Fact: The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has hosted countless icons, from the Emmy Awards to legendary performers like Bing Crosby and Aretha Franklin. Sitting in the audience means you’re part of that legacy—plus, you might even end up on TV when the cameras pan the crowd!
🎭 THEATER & ARTS
"One Man, Two Guvnors" at A Noise Within
📅 September 11-12
📍 Pasadena
Step into a night of chaos, comedy, and clever wordplay at A Noise Within, Pasadena’s acclaimed classical repertory theatre. This laugh-out-loud hit, written by Richard Bean with music by Grant Olding, is a modern twist on Carlo Goldoni’s 1746 classic, The Servant of Two Masters.
The story follows the misadventures of Francis Henshall, a perpetually hungry and slightly bumbling man who suddenly finds himself employed by two different bosses—a gangster and a criminal in disguise. What follows is a whirlwind of mistaken identities, quick-witted banter, slapstick comedy, and musical interludes that keep audiences doubled over with laughter.
Since its debut in London’s National Theatre, One Man, Two Guvnors has become a global sensation, famously launching actor James Corden to international stardom. Now, Pasadena audiences get the chance to experience the same riotous energy live on stage, performed by one of Southern California’s most respected theatre companies.
Showtimes:
Thursday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to enjoy A Noise Within’s intimate atmosphere, and don’t be surprised if the cast pulls the audience into the fun—this show thrives on spontaneity and audience interaction.
🎵 MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Weekly Bingo Night
📅 Every Tuesday
📍 Duarte Elks Lodge
Looking for a fun and social midweek tradition? Head over to the Duarte Elks Lodge for Tuesday Night Bingo, a long-standing community favorite that brings neighbors together for laughs, camaraderie, and the thrill of shouting “Bingo!”.
Doors open at 4 p.m., giving players plenty of time to grab a good seat, catch up with friends, and purchase their bingo cards. Games kick off promptly at 6 p.m., with multiple rounds and plenty of chances to win. Prizes vary week to week, keeping the excitement alive for both newcomers and regulars.
The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming—perfect for anyone looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or enjoy a low-cost night out. Light refreshments are often available, adding to the relaxed, community vibe.
Insider Tip: Arrive early, as bingo nights at the Elks Lodge can fill up quickly, especially when big jackpots are on the line!
📚 LITERARY EVENTS
Vroman's Bookstore Author Events
📍 Pasadena - Monday, September 15:
Pasadena’s beloved Vroman’s Bookstore, the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California, continues its tradition of hosting thought-provoking author events that bring writers and readers face to face.
This week, Dr. Ingrid Clayton—psychologist, speaker, and author—will be discussing and signing her newest book, “Fawning – Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves – and How to Find Our Way Back.”
In her work, Dr. Clayton explores the psychology of people-pleasing, a survival strategy often rooted in trauma, and offers practical insights on how to break free from these patterns to live more authentically. Attendees can expect an engaging talk that blends personal narrative, professional expertise, and actionable takeaways for anyone who has ever struggled with putting others’ needs ahead of their own.
Following the discussion, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session and get their books personally signed by the author.
Why Go? Vroman’s events aren’t just book signings, they’re community gatherings that connect readers with ideas, inspiration, and each other. It’s an intimate way to hear directly from a leading voice in psychology while supporting a local independent bookstore.
🎨 ONGOING EXHIBITIONS
"My Hands Are Monsters Who Believe In Magic"
📍 Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena
Step into a world where imagination, identity, and storytelling collide. The Armory Center for the Arts presents “My Hands Are Monsters Who Believe In Magic,” a thought-provoking group exhibition featuring ten contemporary artists from the Asian diaspora.
The show explores themes of radical self-reimagination—how culture, memory, migration, and lived experience shape one’s sense of identity. Through painting, sculpture, installation, and multimedia work, each artist challenges conventional narratives and invites viewers to consider new ways of seeing themselves and others. The title itself suggests a bold act of transformation: hands that both create and rebel, monsters that embody strength, and magic as a metaphor for resilience and reinvention.
Why You Should Go: This exhibition is as much about community dialogue as it is about art. It offers a space for reflection on how heritage and personal history inform creativity, while also celebrating the rich diversity of the Asian diaspora in Southern California.
Exhibit Details:
Running through December 14, 2025
Gallery Hours: Friday 2–6 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 1–5 p.m.
Admission: Free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all ages.
"Scenic Route – A Half-Century of California Discovery"
📍 American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena
Take a journey across the Golden State without ever leaving Pasadena. The American Legacy Fine Arts gallery presents “Scenic Route – A Half-Century of California Discovery,” a curated exhibition that showcases nearly 30 breathtaking landscape paintings by distinguished California artists.
Spanning five decades of artistic exploration, the works on display capture the essence of California’s diverse scenery, from rugged coastal cliffs and tranquil deserts to lush forests and rolling hills. Each canvas reflects not only the beauty of the land but also the evolving perspectives of artists who have interpreted the state’s natural wonders through their own unique lens.
This exhibit celebrates California’s long-standing tradition of landscape painting while offering a fresh reminder of the connection between art, place, and memory. It’s an invitation to rediscover familiar vistas and discover new ones through brushstrokes, light, and color.
Exhibit Details:
Runs through October 11, 2025
By appointment only—creating an intimate viewing experience that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in each work.
Why Go: Perfect for art lovers, collectors, or anyone who feels a special bond with California’s landscapes, Scenic Route offers a moment of quiet reflection on the state’s natural beauty and the enduring inspiration it provides.
"Primarium: A Case for Cursive"
📍 ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena
Rediscover the lost art of handwriting in “Primarium: A Case for Cursive,” an exhibition that highlights the beauty, history, and cultural importance of script in an increasingly digital world.
Housed at the ArtCenter College of Design, the exhibit brings together a fascinating collection of international and historic handwriting samples, vintage textbooks, calligraphy manuals, and teaching tools that trace the evolution of cursive writing across centuries. Visitors can explore how handwriting has shaped communication, identity, and education, from ornate 18th-century penmanship to the Palmer Method notebooks of the early 1900s, and even contemporary works that blend traditional script with modern design.
This exhibition asks timely questions: What happens to creativity and personal expression when typing replaces writing? What do we lose when generations no longer learn cursive? Through its displays, Primarium makes the case that cursive is more than a skill, it’s a cultural heritage worth preserving.
Exhibit Details:
Runs through October 31, 2025
Free admission
Open daily 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Why Go: Perfect for artists, designers, educators, or anyone nostalgic for the handwritten word, this exhibit offers both inspiration and reflection. It’s a rare chance to see handwriting not just as a tool, but as an art form that connects us to history and to each other.
🌱 COMMUNITY MARKETS & ONGOING
Saturday Farmers Market
📅 Every Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut
Start your weekend fresh at the Saturday Farmers Market at Mt. San Antonio College, a vibrant community hub where local growers, makers, and neighbors come together. Stroll through rows of colorful stalls overflowing with seasonal fruits, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and farm-fresh eggs, all sourced directly from regional farmers.
Beyond produce, the market features a wide variety of artisan goods—from homemade jams and baked breads to handcrafted soaps, specialty sauces, and unique pre-packaged foods. It’s the perfect place to stock up on weekly essentials or discover something new and flavorful.
The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, with friendly vendors eager to share their knowledge and stories behind their products. Many weeks also bring local musicians or community groups, adding a festive feel to the morning. With free parking available on campus, it’s an easy and accessible outing for families, couples, or solo shoppers.
Friends of Pasadena Public Library Bookstore
📍 Jefferson Branch Library, Pasadena
Book lovers, this is your hidden gem in Pasadena. The Friends of Pasadena Public Library Bookstore, tucked inside the Jefferson Branch Library, is a cozy community-run shop where gently used books find new homes and readers discover treasures at unbeatable prices.
The shelves are filled with an ever-changing selection of titles, from timeless classics and bestsellers to cookbooks, biographies, and plenty of children’s books. Families especially will enjoy browsing the affordable kids’ section, perfect for building home libraries without breaking the budget.
In addition to supporting literacy and community programming, the bookstore has stepped up in a meaningful way: Eaton fire victims receive 50% off all purchases, and impacted schools are offered free books to help rebuild classroom libraries. It’s not just about buying books—it’s about giving back and strengthening the community.
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
🏛️ MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS
The Huntington Library - Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
📍 San Marino
A crown jewel of the San Gabriel Valley, The Huntington is more than just one destination, it’s a world-class library, art museum, and 130 acres of botanical gardens all in one. Founded in 1919 by railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington and his wife Arabella, the institution has become a global center for art, literature, and horticulture.
Currently on view is the ongoing exhibition “Stories from the Library: The Tales Through Time” running through December 1, 2025. The centerpiece is the legendary Ellesmere Chaucer, one of the most beautiful and complete medieval manuscripts of The Canterbury Tales. This rare treasure offers visitors a chance to step back into the 15th century and witness the artistry and storytelling that shaped English literature.
Beyond the library, visitors can explore:
Art Collections: From 18th-century British portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds to the famous “Blue Boy” by Thomas Gainsborough and “Pinkie” by Thomas Lawrence.
Botanical Gardens: Stroll through gardens themed by region and style, the serene Japanese Garden, dramatic Desert Garden with thousands of succulents, lush Rose Garden, tranquil Chinese Garden, and expansive Shakespeare Garden. Together, these living collections feature more than 16,000 plant species.
Special Experiences: The gardens are dotted with historic architectural gems, including a classical-style mansion housing the art collections and ornate pavilions within the gardens.
Fun Fact: The Huntington’s Desert Garden is one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in the world, attracting botanists and plant lovers from across the globe.
Visitor Notes:
Open daily, closed Tuesdays.
Timed entry reservations are required for Friday through Sunday visits.
Dining options include the 1919 Café, Jade Court Café in the Chinese Garden, and specialty tea service in the Rose Garden Tea Room (reservations recommended).
📍 Arcadia
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.; members may enter early at 8 a.m.)
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden spans 127 acres at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering visitors a peaceful escape filled with history, nature, and culture. Once part of the historic Rancho Santa Anita, the Arboretum is home to themed gardens representing plants from around the world, including Mediterranean, South American, South African, Asian, and North American collections. You’ll also find specialized spaces like the Herb Garden, Prehistoric and Jungle Garden, and impressive groves of palms and bamboo.
Highlights include Baldwin Lake and several historic landmarks such as the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn (built in the 1880s) and the Reid-Baldwin Adobe (dating back to 1839). Visitors will also notice the Arboretum’s unofficial mascots—flocks of peafowl that roam freely across the grounds.
Amenities include the Peacock Café for a relaxing break and a gift shop featuring nature-inspired items. Families will appreciate the Arboretum’s educational programs and seasonal events, while garden lovers can enjoy the constantly changing scenery throughout the year.
Admission:
Adults: $18
Seniors (62+) & Students (with ID): $14
Children (3–12): $8
Children 2 and under: Free
Members: Free
Free admission is also available for EBT cardholders and through select seasonal programs.
📍 La Cañada Flintridge
Discover one of Southern California’s most beloved botanical treasures. Descanso Gardens spans 150 acres of stunning landscapes, including the world-famous Camellia Collection, a serene Japanese Garden, oak woodlands, and vibrant seasonal displays. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, enjoy rotating art exhibits, and take advantage of family-friendly programming throughout the year. Be sure to check their “What’s in Bloom” guide to see the latest seasonal highlights, from roses in full color to native wildflowers and more. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with plenty of shaded walking paths and relaxing spaces perfect for a day of exploration and inspiration.
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Compiled from local event listings, city calendars, and community submissions. Event details subject to change. Please verify with organizers before heading out to attend a listed event.